On December 18, 2024, Bolletje, the well-known Dutch manufacturer, announced the immediate recall of its Schuddebuikjes speculaas, packaged in 300-gram containers and marked with lot code L034462. The recall follows concerns about potential contamination with small metal fragments.
The affected products were found on shelves at Albert Heijn supermarkets starting December 16, 2024, and will not be available for sale as Bolletje has proactively removed them. According to the company, the sugar used in Schuddebuikjes may contain tiny metal particles, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Bolletje’s precautionary measure is primarily motivated by safety, even though the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) stated these small metal fragments, particularly those smaller than 2mm, are not considered dangerous. Despite the NVWA's assurance, Bolletje has taken the stance of prioritizing consumer safety by issuing this recall.
"Bolletje verzoekt consumenten vriendelijk het betrokken product niet te consumeren. De consument dient het product weg te gooien. Voor een vergoeding kunnen klanten contact opnemen met de Bolletje consumentenservice" (Translation: "Bolletje kindly requests consumers not to consume the affected product. Consumers should dispose of it. For compensation, customers can contact Bolletje's consumer service.") by Bolletje, as reported by various news outlets.
Consumers who purchased this specific version of the product are urged to check their shelves for the mentioned lot code and expiration date, which is July 1, 2025. Bolletje has advised customers to take photos of the product for identification if needed and to discard it immediately.
"Hoewel Bolletje aangeeft dat stukjes metaal kleiner dan 2mm volgens de NVWA niet gevaarlijk zijn, raden wij u aan om het product niet te eten als de verpakking de genoemde houdbaarheidsdatum en lotcode heeft, en contact op te nemen met Bolletje" (Translation: "Although Bolletje states pieces of metal smaller than 2mm are not considered dangerous by the NVWA, we recommend you do not eat the product if the package has the indicated expiration date and lot code, and to contact Bolletje") by NVWA, reported by various sources.
The Schuddebuikjes recall reflects the company's commitment to ensuring consumer safety and responding swiftly to potential hazards. Bolletje’s responsive measures assure consumers of their vigilance concerning product safety. Customers may get refunds or replacements for the recalled products through Bolletje's consumer service, accessible on their website or via mail correspondence.
While this recall affects only the listed batch, Bolletje reassures customers their other products remain safe to consume and are not impacted by this recall.
For customers affected by this recall or with any concerns about their purchases, they can reach out to Bolletje’s consumer service via their website for guidance or support.
With increasing awareness and importance surrounding food safety, Bolletje's proactive recall can be seen as part of broader industry practice to prioritize the health and well-being of consumers, laying the groundwork for continued trust between producers and customers.